DeSantis slips to third place, lags behind GOP rivals in New Hampshire: Poll.
Support for Gov. Ron DeSantis Plummets in New Hampshire
In a surprising turn of events, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has seen a significant drop in support in the battleground state of New Hampshire. According to a recent CNN-University of New Hampshire survey, DeSantis now finds himself in fifth place, with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy taking over the second place spot.
Once considered a formidable rival to former President Donald Trump, DeSantis now only garners 10% of support from likely Republican primary voters in New Hampshire. In contrast, Trump remains the leader of the GOP field with a commanding 39% support.
A Shift in the Political Landscape
This latest poll reveals a stark decline in DeSantis’ popularity since July, when he was neck-and-neck with Trump at 23% support, compared to the former president’s 37%.
The current frontrunners ahead of DeSantis include Ramaswamy in second place with 13%, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley with 12%, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie with 11%. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) trails behind at 6%, while former Vice President Mike Pence lags far behind with only 2% support. Other GOP contenders barely register above 1%.
Ramaswamy, a political newcomer, has been making waves as a top-polling presidential candidate, consistently placing second in national surveys. His campaign team confidently stated, “Vivek is just getting warmed up.”
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New Hampshire’s Crucial Role
New Hampshire holds significant importance as a key battleground state in the presidential election cycle for GOP hopefuls. Candidates invest considerable time and effort in campaigning early and frequently in this first-in-the-nation primary state.
In a move that has stirred controversy, the Democratic National Committee has sought to change its nominating calendar in 2024, potentially disrupting the contest date in New Hampshire by prioritizing South Carolina. However, Secretary of State David Scanlan has vowed to fight to maintain the state law that ensures New Hampshire retains its status as the first primary state.
The full survey was conducted among 2,107 New Hampshire adults, with a sampling error of plus or minus 2.1%. The results from 845 probable GOP primary voters had an error margin of plus or minus 3.4%. CNN acknowledges that the margin of error may be larger for subgroups.
What factors have contributed to the rise of Vivek Ramaswamy in the survey
N comparison, Ramaswamy has attracted 18% of support, a considerable jump considering he was relatively unknown in the political sphere prior to this survey. This shift in support reveals not only a decline in DeSantis’ popularity but also an opening for other candidates to gain traction in the upcoming primary elections.
The decline in support for DeSantis can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida has come under heavy scrutiny. While initially praised for his response, DeSantis has faced backlash for his resistance to imposing strict measures, such as mask mandates and lockdowns, to curb the spread of the virus. This has led to a surge in COVID-19 cases and fatalities in the state, which has undoubtedly affected his standing among voters.
Furthermore, DeSantis’ close alignment with former President Trump, who remains a polarizing figure for many Americans, has also had an impact on his support. Though Trump continues to hold strong influence within the Republican Party, his controversial actions and statements have created division among conservatives. This has resulted in some voters seeking alternative candidates who distance themselves from the Trump era, such as Ramaswamy.
The rise of Vivek Ramaswamy in the survey is noteworthy. As a successful entrepreneur and political outsider, Ramaswamy offers a fresh perspective and presents himself as a viable alternative to both DeSantis and Trump-aligned candidates. His ability to resonate with New Hampshire voters by focusing on economic growth, technological innovation, and a more inclusive approach has clearly struck a chord.
While these survey results reflect a decline in support for DeSantis in New Hampshire, it is important to note that this is just one state. DeSantis still maintains a strong base of support in his home state of Florida and may regain momentum in other primary contests. Additionally, the political landscape is often subject to rapid changes, and it remains to be seen if Ramaswamy can maintain his newfound popularity or if other candidates will emerge as strong contenders.
Nonetheless, the CNN-University of New Hampshire survey sends a clear message that the political climate is shifting, and candidates need to adapt to changing voter preferences. It serves as a wake-up call for DeSantis to address the concerns surrounding his handling of the pandemic and to differentiate himself from Trump’s controversial legacy. For Ramaswamy, this survey provides validation and an opportunity to build on his momentum, actively engaging with voters and further solidifying his platform.
As the primary elections draw nearer, it is crucial for all candidates to closely monitor voter sentiment and respond accordingly. The support for DeSantis in New Hampshire serves as a reminder that no candidate is exempt from scrutiny or immune to the changing dynamics of the political landscape. And as for Ramaswamy, this survey offers a glimmer of hope and a chance to prove that he is a viable contender in the race for the Republican nomination.
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